River Road ISD to install turf field

The River Road Wildcats will be playing on a synthetic turf field next football season, head coach Jayme Carr said Friday.

Having a safer playing field that could prevent concussions and injuries was a major factor in the decision, Carr said.

“It’s a good, solid, flat surface,” he said. “I think that played into it as much as anything.”

The fact many other Class 2A and 3A schools in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle have turf fields — such as Highland Park, Bushland, Dalhart, Pampa, Perryton, and Muleshoe — also influenced RRISD’s decision to lay down turf, he said.

Installation of the turf is tentatively scheduled to begin in April and should be ready by August, Carr said.